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Philosophy of Education in India: Ancient and Modern Perspective

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 Philosophy of Education in India: Ancient and
Modern Perspective
Poonam Kumari *
Dr. Rani Singh **

Education is continue process which goes on whether school

keeps or not. People learn anything before they enter the school
followed by continuity outside the classroom. They keep on learning
even in the formal education comes to an end. Even during the hours
of formal schooling the students learn much outside which does not
constitutes a part of the planned curriculum. The student secures a
great deal of education from the church, political discussion and also
from magazines, newspapers, radio and television which are
employed as a means of educating and philosophy is the study of
general and fundamental problems concerning matters such as
existence, knowledge, values and language. Philosophical methods
include questioning, critical discussion, rational argument and
systematic presentation.
It is practical in nature and philosophy is the theory.
Philosophy is way of life in a wider sense philosophy is a way of
looking at life Nature and truth. Education on the other bend is the
dynamic side of philosophy. It is the active aspect and the practical
means of realising the ideals of the life from biological and
sociological point of view.
Keywords: Philosophy, Metaphysics, Epistemology, Axiology,
Personality.
Introduction : Philosophy of education is general philosophical
study and explanation of every aspect of education. The phrase
philosophy of education is not only a part of philosophy, but also a
part of education. It is branch of axiology as it studies about
educational values. The problems of philosophy of education are not
limited. It doesn‟t take a practical view of education instead; it
comprehends every aspect of educational process. It interprets
various areas such as curriculum, context, method, learning, teaching,
motivation and many others aspect related to education.1

* Research Scholar, Department of Siddhant Darshan, IMS, BHU, Varanasi

** Associate Professor, Department of Siddhant Darshan, IMS, BHU,
Varanasi
Philosophy of Education in India: Ancient and Modern Perspective 271

Philosophy of education made from, two words philosophy

and education. The word philosophy is derived from two Greek
words. The first word Philo, means „‟love‟‟. The second, Sophia
means “wisdom”. Literally, then philosophy means “love of
wisdom.”
Each individual has an attitude toward life learning and
previous personal experience that informs and shapes their set of
beliefs. Although one May not be conscious of it. This set of beliefs
of personal philosophy inform how one lives, works and interact with
others what you believe is directly reflected in both your teaching
and learning process.
It is important to understand how philosophy and education
are interrelated in order to become the most effective teaching one
can be, you must understand your own beliefs, while at the same time
empathising with others. In this chapter we will examine the study of
philosophy, the major philosophical schools of thought in education.
What are the Major Philosophies of Education?
The major philosophies of education can be broken down into three
main types, teacher centred philosophies, student centred
philosophies and society centred philosophies.2
Philosophy of Education: Indian Perspective:
The Indian Perspective: Educational foundation in India is also
found in the metaphysical, epistemological and axiological outlook
of the philosophers. The Indian philosophy of education is distinct
about aim, curriculum, methodology and other aspects of education.
● Vedic period: The ancient philosophy of education is
especially spiritual or idealistic in nature. The basic aim of
Vedic education is to attain liberation or moksha. Aim
suggested by Vedic period, philosophy of education are
❖ Character Building
❖ Development of personality
❖ Knowledge of social roles and status
❖ Vocational Efficiency
Thus Vedic period aim of philosophy of education is therefore not
one sided. It emphasised all round development of a person in
different sphere of life.
Philosophy of Education in Bhagavad-Gita : The Gita advocates
all round development of the learner. It emphasised on the virtuous
knowledge. Virtuous knowledge is that by which we feel unity in
diversity and see the abode of God in every creature. Thus according
to the Gita education is enables one to see the existence of the God in
272 JIGYASA, ISSN 0974-7648, Vol. 12, No. I, January, 2019

the soul of each living being. To achieve this goal Gita suggests the
personal and intellectual development of the individual. Again Gita
emphasises on one‟s duty for two purposes first in for individual
importance and second for social responsibility. But without inner
consciousness and knowledge he can‟t duty for two purposes first is
for individual importance and second for social responsibility. But
without inner consciousness and knowledge he cannot perform his
own duty. Therefore the purpose of teaching of Gita is the overall
development of the individual.4
Concept of Education in Ayurveda: In Ayurveda three criteria or
attaining knowledge i.e. study, teaching and discussion or
participation in debates.
 Procedure for study : There are some discipline for studying
subject. The disciple should be healthy and sold devoted to study.
He should get up early in the morning or in the last quarter of the
night. He should then perform ablution and offer prayers to the
gods, sages,brahmanas,teachers, elderly and enlightened persons
and preceptors and should then sit comfortable on an even and
clean place. Thereafter, he should recite the sutras orally with due
concentration. After proper understanding, he should repeat his
recitation with a view to removing his own deficiencies and
testifying to the deficiencies of others. He should continue with
his practice in the noonand at night without any break. This is the
procedure for study.
 Procedure for Teaching: There is some rule and regulation for
teaching also. The preceptor planning to undertake teaching
should, first of all examine the discipline himself.
The disciple to be selected for study should have normal
condition of sense organs. One having abnormal condition of sense
organs is considered to be unsuitable for the study.
Instruction about General Behaviour of the Student:
● You should observe brahmacharya maintain your beard,
speak the truth, take vegetarian food.
● You should always obey my instructions except when they
go against the ruler of the land.
Discussion or Participation in Debate : Hear after we shall
expound the procedure for debates. A teacher/physician should
participate in a discussion with another physician. Professional
discussion indeed promotes the power of the application of
knowledge and competition leading to enlightenment. It manifests
the clarity of knowledge, promotes the power of speech, spreads
Philosophy of Education in India: Ancient and Modern Perspective 273

fame, eliminates doubts reminiscent of the previous study by

repeated hearing and brings about confirmation of what is
undoubtedly understood before. During the course of discussion one
comes to know of many new things which were not heard by him
previously. Being pleased over the devoted discipline, the preceptor
during the course mutual discussion enthusiastically disclose .these
secret meaning in brief with a view achieving a victory over the
competitor. Therefore participation in a professional debates in
always applauded by the wise. So in health science like Ayurveda a
physician has to teach and trained the disciple along with discussion
to make them a competent and successful physician in their future.5
Concept of Education Buddhism and Jainism : Jain and Buddhism
accepted non-violence as the aim of education. The religious
aspirations and reactions of common man gave rise to Buddhism and
Jainism whose founders attempted to bring religion down to the
common man, place greater insistence on morality, self -control and
good work, give more rational interpretation to human life and satisfy
the aspirations of all common man to believe in a personal God.
During the Muslim ruling period in Indian history it was the mixed
educational system of Vedic and Islamic education. In this period the
aim philosophy of education was derived from the aim of the
religion. The teaching of the Quran was brought to focus. Again the
aim is based on the practical skill for the social cultural and economic
development. Both the Vedic and Islamic education was influenced
by their respect.
Medieval Period : The period medieval India come from about the
10th century A.D. to the middle of the 18th centuryi.e. before of the
British Rule .Education is medieval India was a domain that was
limited to a few a large extent,who were involved in the management
of transmission,it was something technically that was within the
reach everyone.
Objectives of Education in Medieval India : The objectives of
education in Medieval India has been stated as follow:
 During the Muslim period .the education was meant to extend the
Knowledge and propagate Islam.
 Education was based on religion and its main purpose was to
make the individual religious minded. The Muslim education
aimed the achievement of material wealth and prosperity.
It can be understood that in medieval India,there were many
changes and transformations that took place in the system of
education .the education system was free from all restrictions.
274 JIGYASA, ISSN 0974-7648, Vol. 12, No. I, January, 2019

There was great respect For Women and girls,but there were not
any satisfactory provisions made to promote education among
girls,belonging to the community. Education was Limited to
women,only belonging to upper and wealthy families. The main
purpose of these changes and transformations was to generate
awareness among the individual in the terms of the significance
of Education. Not only individuals,belonging to the wealthy
communities,but all the individuals belonging to various
categories and backgrounds should obtain access to the
education. Gradually,the system of education turned out to be
more methodical and systematic,due to introduction of policies
and strategies.
Modern Period : In India modern education started under the British
rule. On February 8, 1935 Macaulay president his historical „mints‟
making the bitter attack upon Indian literature and culture. Therefore
log before India achieved freedom, there illustrious thinkers Swami
Vivekananda, Sri Aurobindo and R.N. Tagore criticised the prevalent
philosophy ofeducation and presented alternative philosophies. They
have interpreted the old knowledge and principles in the light of new
knowledge and in the context of the contemporary circumstances.6
Indian philosophers of education supported an integral
approver in almost every field of education in the aim, the means the
curriculum, the teacher, student relationship, teaching methods a
School administration etc. It gives equal values of all types of
education.
Modern day education is aided with a variety of technology,
computers,projectors, internet,and many more.
Diverse knowledge is being spread among the
people.Everything that can be simplified has been made simpler.
Science has explored every aspect of life. There is much to
learn and more to assimilate internet provides abysmal
knowledge.There is no end it.one can learn everything he wishes to
every topic has developed in to a subject.
New inventions and discoveries have revealed. The unknown
world to us more variety. Once a new aspect is discovered,hundreds
of heads start babbling not only our plant but the whole universe has
become accessible.
Now we have good and learned teachers to impart us with
knowledge what they know.Everyone is a master in his field.
We and our children are getting taught by professional of
their field. Presently our education is based on making us the best in
Philosophy of Education in India: Ancient and Modern Perspective 275

our arise of interest,to help us reach our goals more easily. More of
the fact based knowledge is being grasped by us what we learn helps
us in our career in our profession,professionalism is deep-rooted in
our society now and this education makes us.
Skill development and vocational education has added a new
feather to the modern system of education. There is something to
learn for everyone.
Even an infant there days goes to a kindergarten and a little
grown, mentally and physically is promoted to a Montessori.
Everything is being categorized be it a primary, middle, higher
secondary or graduate school. We have temples of education known
by a familiar word the “university‟‟.
Discussion : There is a difference in the opinion of the people
regarding the Ancient and Modern Philosophy of Education,
Classroom : The teacher in atraditional classroom will try to explain
the concept verbally. There were no technologyno multimedia.There
was no freedom of speech. The teacher in a modern classroom could
choose from a wide variety of real life examples of evaporation such
a boiling water for tea or clothes drying up in sun and a short video to
take the students through the experience of evaporation.
Cognitive Development : In the ancient learning method,the teacher
communicates knowledge to students expecting it to be absorbed and
assimilated by students as it.This usually leads to rote learning
without real understanding of the topics.
Using modern teaching methods.The students can be
involved deeply in the learning process and made to research and
come up with their own analysis which leads to a two-way learning
that helps to sharpen their cognitive, reasoning and imaginative
abilities.
Well Rounded Personality Development : Since the traditional
teaching methods usually follow a structured unidirectional
approach.The Students don‟t get the opportunity to go beyond what‟s
presented to them. In the case where more modern techniques are
applied. The students get exposed to knowledge beyond text book
that contributes to Increased Confidence, feelings of empowerment
leading to a much more rounded personality.
Experiential Learning : In the evaporation example mentioned
above, we saw that the traditional teaching uses mainly verbal
communication while modern method use a variety of different
methods.The modern teaching involves a more holistic experiential
learning where students learns by engaging various senses and
276 JIGYASA, ISSN 0974-7648, Vol. 12, No. I, January, 2019

feelings or perceptions.Knowledge is constructed through play direct

experience and social interaction.
Conclusion : We are living Modern age, but feel proud of the
civilization and culture of our ancestor‟s heritage to us. We give
more preferences to character spiritualism philosophy then wealth,
power, violence and diplomacy. We wish to lead on ideal life.
Educational aim of Vedic age is accepted in principle as aim of
modern education to build character and make life worth living for
our young ones.
In this time education was much more individualistic rather
than joint in group all round development of a child‟s personality was
the chief aim of education. Same time is kept in view in Morden
education also.
There was no discrimination on the basis of caste, creed
colour etc. In Morden to the constitution has adopted the principle of
equality in the field of education.
Education for Self-Sufficiency: A part from intellectual aspect of
education it is practical side was not lost sight of and along with art
literature and philosophy students got a working knowledge of
agriculture and other Vocations of life.
Morden education also lays stress upon preparing students to
prepare themselves for their future life. Vocational subjects are
included in the curriculum.
Commercial Education and Vedic Mathematics : Commercial
education and mathematics education are of the chief features
ofVedic period. The ideas of the scope and nature of commercial
geography, needs of the people of various localities exchange value
and quality of articles and language spoken and different trends
centres were considered necessary.
Vedic mathematics has become more popular now. More and
more parents are aware about the significance of Vedic mathematics
is taking interest to offer the opportunities to their child to learn
Vedic mathematics.
It is believe that education is the foundation for life. Teachers
create all other profession without teacher we would not have
doctors, police, officers, lawyers and other professions. Education is
important for not only providing students with knowledge but it are
also important for teaching children various life skills, self-discipline,
self-esteem, problem solving skill and responsibility.
 Philosophy of Education in India: Ancient and Modern Perspective 277

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***

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